North Cook News

Jeanne Ives prepping to take on Gov. Bruce Rauner in the 2018 Republican primary is in the best interest of voters, Dan Donnelly contends.

“Anytime voters have more choices, that’s a good thing for the process,” Donnelly told North Cook News. “When voters have choices, candidates have to be more considerate of the things they want and need.”

Donnelly, a Democrat who wants to replace retiring Robert Martwick Sr. as Norwood Park Township committeeman, said Rauner has had to jump through a lot of hoops during his first three years in office because of Springfield’s root problems.

Dan Donnelly and his family

“I think he’s tried to do what he could do, considering there are fireballs all over the place” he said. “The system needs reform, though you could argue some of Rauner's measures have been too drastic.”

Donnelly is runnng on a campaign he describes as the antithesis of the typical candidate.

“My campaign is about being willing to work with everyone,” he said. “It’s about inclusion instead of exclusion. Legislators need to remember they’re sent to Springfield to get things done on behalf of all people.”

As he goes from door to door campaigning, Donnelly said he encourages constituents to ask as many questions as they want.

“The only wrong question is the question not asked,” he said. “People should be engaging with their representatives — that’s what breeds transparency.”

Donnelly said even though Martwick has been in power for more than four decades, many of the people in the community don’t know who he is because he’s rarely seen.

“I’ve lived here my whole life and have always been right here,” Donnelly said. “People have always called me when they’ve had problems. When I’ve answered, it’s always been out of love, and that won’t change.”

Meanwhile, the 52-year-old Ives has installed former Rep. Rich Morthland as her running mate and Chicago GOP Chairman Chris Cleveland as her campaign chairman.